Scout Picks

Scout Picks – Gameweek 37

We move onto the penultimate Gameweek of this season’s Scout Picks, where Mark, Jonty, a different member of the community and I pick an XI for the upcoming round of fixtures. Each week, our line-ups go head-to-head and over the course of the season we’ll be keeping a tally of the points as we go along, with the budget now sitting at 84.0 apiece for our starting line-ups.

The Community – Managed by S Kuqi

picks For my picks I’ve tried to select players who either have a point to prove or have something to play for. Sunderland are fighting for their Premier League survival and Costel Pantilimon looks good for a clean sheet. A draw could be good enough for the Black Cats and their opponents Leicester to survive, so I’m expecting a low-scoring encounter.

Chelsea’s John Terry wants to play every match and Aleksandar Kolarov keeps on impressing as Manchester City’s left back. Between them, the pair have racked up four goals and an assist over their last three. I prefer Martin Skrtel as my Liverpool defender as Crystal Palace, with just one goal in the last four, visit. Budget constraints mean I have to opt for his fellow defender, Dejan Lovren.

Doosra’s excellent Midfield Marauders table has prompted me to go for Arsenal duo Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez. The pair have accrued 37 goal attempts in their last four matches. A goal from Steven Gerrard, who makes his last ever home appearance for Liverpool at Anfield is surely written in the stars. Meanwhile Sadio Mane of Southampton is my budget pick against a potentially leaky Aston Villa defence. I also expect the Saints to concede, which propels Christian Benteke into my thinking.

Sergio Aguero’s recent form makes him essential and for my final attacking pick I’ve opted for Charlie Austin to give relegated QPR’s home fans a goal scoring display against a Newcastle side that have conceded 10 in the last four games.

Jonty

picks My selection this week is dominated by double Gameweek assets, reliable points scorers and a moment of football history.

Recent community articles by AZ and Jaffalicious have convinced me that Alexis Sanchez is the most reliable attacking option and Santi Cazorla offers a strong prospect of a large points haul. In defence Laurent Koscielny, with three goals already this season, offers attacking threat on top of clean sheet potential for the Gunners.

Among Sunderland’s ranks, I’ve opted for the best defender and striker according to my recent Members table looking at shots in the box among the Black Cats ranks. This gives me high hopes that Patrick Van Aanholt and Connor Wickham will deliver returns.

For my single Gameweek players, Sergio Aguero’s hat-trick and two assists last week make him undroppable. His team-mate Aleksandar Kolarov wins a place too after notching up 38 points in his last four matches. Meanwhile, John Terry looks secure of a start against a West Brom side that has registered the lowest number of goal attempts in the Premier League over the last four Gameweeks.

Romelu Lukaku enjoys scoring away to West Ham. He notched the winning goal in his Everton debut in 2013 and a last gasp equaliser at Upton Park in the FA Cup this season. That’s enough for me to consider a punt on the Belgian striker.

The football romantic in me, rather than statistician, has admittedly driven my selection of Steven Gerrard, as he makes his final appearance at Anfield in a Liverpool shirt.

Mark

picks Five is the magic number for me, although I’m still wary that opting for two double Gameweek assets from the Sunderland camp is wishful thinking; their likely quest for draws could well make a mockery of my Connor Wickham pick.

The omission of Olivier Giroud will also doubtless raise eyebrows. However, I’ve decided to punt on Santi Cazorla as my partner in crime to Alexis Sanchez – I just think spot-kicks could factor over the double Gameweek and I’ve not been impressed by Giroud’s form over his previous outings; the opposite is true of Cazorla.

I’ve gone Laurent Koscielny as my third Arsenal pick – for me, with five goals conceded in their last nine, it’s too easy to overlook the Gunners’ back four in favour of chasing attacking points. I reckon one of Wenger’s rearguard is a must, with Koscielny perhaps the most likely to start both matches.

Harry Kane’s selection will also doubtless prove controversial. I’m just struggling to see the Spurs striker fizzle out in his final home tie of a superb season – particularly when a desperate Hull provide the opposition.

Elsewhere, I’ve ignored the clamour for Steven Gerrard and kept faith with the undoubted talents of Philippe Coutinho. The Newcastle pair of Moussa Sissoko and Ryan Taylor are a gamble, fueled by Newcastle’s plight and must-win scenario at QPR.

Paul

picks Costel Pantilimon earns a place for Sunderland’s double Gameweek, with the Romanian’s propensity for picking up save points helping him average 4.2 points per appearance so far. I’m banking on John Terry to be retained for Chelsea’s trip to West Brom, whilst Martin Skrtel’s bonus point potential should come to fruition if Liverpool can keep out a Palace side with one goal in four. Laurent Koscielny affords me Arsenal defensive coverage for the double and has already netted three times.

I’ve opted for Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla as my other two Arsenal players. The duo sit first and second respectively for attempts on goal over the Gunners’ last six at a time when Olivier Giroud is struggling for form.

I selected Steven Gerrard for his penultimate home match and give the Liverpool skipper the nod once again at home to Palace – with two goals in as many outings, he faces a defence with a single clean sheet in 16 under Alan Pardew. Chelsea’s Juan Cuadrado comes in for the trip to West Brom. The January signing will surely be handed his third start since arriving and has averaged an effort every 34.3 minutes so far.

Up top, Sergio Aguero’s stunning form should continue against a Swansea defence with a single clean sheet in the last eight at the Liberty. Harry Kane gets another chance as Spurs welcome troubled Hull to the Lane, whilst Connor Wickham has offered the greatest goal threat of any Sunderland player since the arrival of Dick Advocaat.

The Scores So Far

Gameweek 36 Community Champion Kings of Lyon’s score of 77 points has propelled him into the lead in the hunt for the £100 Amazon voucher, which is handed to the champion with the highest Gameweek score. However, it was still not enough to beat Jonty’s score of 82. Meanwhile, I manages 59 and Mark picked up a score of 56.

In the overall standings Jonty has 1909, followed by myself on 1865,Mark on 1854 and the community on 1798.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,802 Comments Post a Comment
  1. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Which is better ?

    A- Ivano & Vardy > Koralov & Kane

    B- Vardy > Wickham

    1. Delusional
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I did B

  2. Perthite
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Use WC this GW or save 'til next GW?

    1. The 12th Man
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      This week, next week is a lottery.

    2. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Save for next season

  3. The 12th Man
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Team to look like this for -4. Good to go?

    Mignolet
    Ivanovic, Bellerin, PVA
    Sanchez(c) Cazorla, Silva, Gerrard
    Aguero, Benteke, Vardy

    Davis, Terry, Cambiasso, Moreno

    1. gravless
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'd play Terry over Ivan

      1. The 12th Man
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks. I tossed a coin over that one.
        What about playing Ivan and Terry and benching Vardy?

        1. gravless
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          meh

        2. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          I would do this ^. Katie says meh though, so you need more votes or you will have decide Seahawk man!

        3. Daniel Exeter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Yes

    2. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe start Terry over Vardy? That is the tough call, but otherwise, I think you are gtg.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Yes tough deciding 2 of Ivanovic, Terry, Vardy

        1. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          To me, if you are unsure. go with the best players, and discount the fixture. Terry and Ivan are better than Vardy.

    3. Feanor
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      My advice is run it on the 1 yard line.

      1. walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        LOL. Yeah, that one has legs for a long time given that grav.

        1. The 12th Man
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          2014 Super Bowl champions, 2015 runners up , still not too bad.

      2. The 12th Man
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Lol, thanks for that reminder. I felt DEFLATED for a while but I'm ok now.

        1. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Another LOL. That saga with the deflated ball is so much saga. Cheating, whatever. I love the Pats defense, too. We have sport that has a lot more drama (players committing crimes, clubhouse nastiness), and serious medical consequences that are denied as "what science? those concussions could be from something else...", and yet the biggest punishments come from an over zealous ballboy who deflated balls without any proper league oversight. Lotta mistakes here.

  4. Delusional
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Bench Sterling or Skrtel?

    1. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Hmmm, Sterling could his a higher risk/revward (score 2/3 or like 13), and Skrtel feels like the safer 8-9. I would go Skrtel as I feel that his safer 8-9 is not so far off from a big Sterling day.

  5. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Best Sunderland mid and foward?

    1. Hank Scorpio
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Larsson and I would go Defoe personally.

  6. Hank Scorpio
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    How risky is Bellerin?

    Surely if Debuchy only started back training yesterday then Wednesday is a bit soon to risk a hamstring injury?

    Isn't WBA match more likely for Debuchy?

    1. gers23
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Could play Chambers

      1. Hank Scorpio
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Could, but Chambers hasn't played for ages either and has been crack at RB.

        1. Hank Scorpio
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          *cack

    2. Malrog
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'm playing Bellerin - so hopefully he's solid 🙂

  7. zaydon
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    walters or vardy??
    walters vs relegated burnley

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I've gone Vardy as think he's in better form against a worse defence.

      Walters didn't look too threatening last week. Adam ran the show.

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Burnley become dangerous. They might go all out attack as they have nothing to lose. In that sense then Walters is the logical pick because they will leave gaps at the back. Sun V Lei will be a tight game probably 0-0

    3. Danstoke82
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Pressure is off Burnley now.

      As a Stoke fan I can see us getting done over tomorrow sadly as we are good at that at times.

      1. Hairy Potter
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Agree

  8. glufs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Guzan -» pants? -4
    I have myhill for gw38

    1. Hank Scorpio
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Seems ok, just.

      1. glufs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

  9. Home Run Baker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Cuadrado in the Scout Picks? Maybe in the differentials ... Maybe
    Love the Hazard news

    1. Malrog
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      What Hazard news?

      1. Home Run Baker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Mourinho's announced that Hazard, Terry and Ivan keen to keep their 100% record this season. Means they won't be rested.

        1. faux_C
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          It doesn't mean that at all.

          1. Home Run Baker
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            Oh god

        2. Malrog
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          OK thanks. Shame I'll have to drop him anyway to bring in Sanchez! Rather drop him than Silva, which seems mad when you look at their points totals, but makes sense in the context of the season at the moment. I hope!

        3. walkman666
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          I think it could be they start, come off the bench, get subbed (i.e. we do not know if they will play some of the game or play all of the game). That doubt led me to sell Haz for Sanchez which I feel good about cos at a minimum it's 2 games to 1.

  10. Acquafresca
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    That's me then. I'm off.

    Pants
    PVA, Billy, Moreno(Berty)
    Hazard, Alexis(vc), Ozil(c), Gerrard
    Aguero, Gru, Kane

    Bench: Boyd, Bertrand, Wasi

    Balls to the wall.

    SUN defs x3
    Ozil (c)

    Have a good weekend.

    1. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      RIP in advance.

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        This worries me.

        My team is rather similar

    2. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      hoping for a Sunderland dgw just like last season in gw37?

    3. Viper
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Surely Bertrand over Moreno?

  11. Gideons Rolling Another One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    After much deliberation I may just save my transfer. Good to go?

    Should I be worried about not owning Giroud?

    Panti (Schmeichal)
    PvA, Skrtel, Kos, (Bertrand Dawson)
    Sanchez Ozil Coutinho Hazard (Cambiasso)
    Kun Kane Benteke

    1FT, 0.9ITB

    1. Malrog
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Ozil to Caz?

      1. Gideons Rolling Another One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        I had wondered that, but my theory with Ozil is that if Giroud scores Ozil will have hopefully assisted it!

    2. Hank Scorpio
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Save it

    3. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I think so. I would not move anyone on that team. Good to have 2FT next week (and I will not be able to join you on that front).

      1. Gideons Rolling Another One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers Walkman - good luck with it.

  12. Malrog
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    OK so fate hates me. I have Guzan and Davis as my goalkeepers, and obviously neither of them played last week, nor will they play this week. So I need to swap one out, which will be for a hit because I only have one FT, and that's going on DGW players. I know people are going to say to get Ospina or Panti, but I would rather not: I don't want Ospina, because I already have an Arsenal defender (Bellerin), and don't want to use another slot for a defender. I'm still not convinced about Sunderland (despite last week), and I think they'll concede goals to both Lei and Ars this week, and then they have che next week - horrible fixtures!

    So I have an alternative: Shay Given (for Guzan). This is partly motivated by his cheap price (£4.0) which allows me more freedom with bringing in DGW players, and mainly motivated by his fixtures. Villa play @Southampton this week, and then home to Burnley, two teams that are right near the bottom of the form table (only Newcastle is worse). Is this sound reasoning, or is there a better option than Shay out there?

    Cheers lads 🙂

    1. TyrannosavrvsPvlis
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Don't take a hit for a gk

      1. Malrog
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        I have to as my existing keepers will net me a big fat zero for the rest of the season. Even if the person I bring in only gets 2 points per game I'll cover my loss, and I hope to choose someone who'll get more than that!

    2. Holy See
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Can't see past Panti tbh Malrog. Reasonable chance of 9-12 saves over the 2 games, 2-4pts for turning up. But Given's grand too.

      1. Malrog
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Rather have clean sheets than save points...but are they a given with Given?! (hah)

  13. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Why are people writing Giroud off?

    IS he injured?

    1. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Gonna surprise this GW
      Big win if he does

      1. walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        I have Giroud and Sanchez (and Caz). It would be rad to go with Giroud (well, maybe not so rad), but I feel that Sanchez is just so much more involved, forcing the play, and dangerous than the stiffer, goal-hanging (but good finishing) Giroud. If Giroud scores more than Alexis over two games, I'll just tip my hat to Olivier captainers, and accept his points on a singular basis.

        1. Home Run Baker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          OK.
          It's driven mostly by who you happen to own,

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Nope

    3. The Nuttmxn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Last game he didn't seem to be in the hunt for goals and not produced in last 4.

    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      He's my captain.

      1. CelticBhoy1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Vice 😉

    5. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I know he is out of form but still a top striker with a DGW and Gunners pushing for second

      Essential IMO for this GW

    6. Royal5
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Poor form and could be rotated.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Why could he be rotated?

        1. Royal5
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Poor form and Walcott has been getting some minutes.

    7. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I think it's just no one can decide on which midfielder to get so are doubling up and there are tempting defender options.

      1. CelticBhoy1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Fair point. But remember the rule, if given the option always favour the more attacking player

  14. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Got 2 last questions: 1)Is Vardy->Wickham good move?
    2)If I decide to keep Vardy should I play Mane instead of PVA? Cheers boys

    1. TyrannosavrvsPvlis
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      1. No
      2. No

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        ^This
        ^This

  15. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    *WC activated

    1. Home Run Baker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Should have saved for GW 38 😉

  16. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Start Terry or Toby?

    1. Sergeant Garcia
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Terry

  17. Sergeant Garcia
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    How severe is the injury of Ramsey? Will his gametime be reduced during the DGW?

    With Jordi Gomez already out, I'm worried I'll have little mids left. Would go Rambo > Caz
    for a hit if it's too risky to play Rambo.

    1. Salfpilgrimlfc
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Play Rambo

  18. Liverpool Crusader
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Hi Guys.

    Advice please.

    1FT - Davis to Panti or Ospina?
    Play Sterling over Mane? or other way round?
    Have PVA, Caz and Sanchez for dbl GW.

    Thanks

  19. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Which is better ?

    A- Ivano & Vardy > Koralov & Kane for - 4 pts

    B- Vardy > Wickham

  20. Danstoke82
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Who would be the best punts for the final game week?, fancy a flutter especially if I have 2FT's

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Pelle

      1. Danstoke82
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Pelle away at Man City???

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Oh i was thinking of GW 37, sorry.

  21. Jonny Sutt
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    last game week, would u rather have

    a) cahill
    b) azpili
    c) kolorov

    i have ivan if that makes a difference

  22. mr messi
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Should I bench Vardy or Henderson?

    1. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Hendo I'd guess

    2. noMoreInternationalBreaks
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Haha I loved those emails from your grav

  23. Zombie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Fab+Ndoye -> Caz+Wickham for -4 : Aye or nay (will be benching Morgan & Albrighton)

  24. glufs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Who to play:

    Terry (wba)
    Bertrand (AVL)
    Sclupp (sun)
    ?

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Terry

  25. Jay_
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Wonder what price Ravenelli Juninho and Emerson will be next year ?

    • gers23
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Am i mad to be considering saving my transfer? 0 in bank

      Myhill

      Bertrand Terry Pva

      Sanchez Hazard Silva Siggy

      Aguero Kane Giroud

      Given Boyd Toby Bruce

    • faux_C
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Hazard has been sold by 7k this week. I wonder how many of those are in the top 10k...

      1. gravless
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        26 according to everythingyouneedtoknowabouttop10k.com

        1. Home Run Baker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Love that site

    • mdm
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Play Vardy (sun) or Moreno (CRY) ?

    • Count of Monte Hristo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Start Ulloa or bench and play back 4?

      Terry Toby PvA Bellerin

      1. faux_C
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Play Ulloa over Toby.

    • http.naypex
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Current team:..

      Pantilimon
      Morgan / PVA / Skrtel
      Hazard / bolasie / Sanchez / Silva
      Giroud / Aguero / Benteke

      Subs: clyne / Wolly / cork

      Lookin to take a -4 hit and do
      hazzard > santi
      bolasie > coutinho
      is it worth it? Open to other suggestions cheers